Rural Conservation Support

What We Do: Habitat Stewardship & Restoration, Soil Health and Weed Management, Private Landowner Support, Coordinate Manure and Pasture Exchange

The farms, ranches, waterways, uplands, forests, and open spaces stewarded by private landowners are the backbone of our county’s economy, character, and natural heritage. Rural lands provide food, fiber, wildlife habitat, and scenic landscapes that define our communities and sustain our quality of life. These lands face growing pressures from drought, rising costs, development, and changing markets. The District and partners are working with landowners to support sustainable land stewardship practices that keep rural lands productive, financially viable, and ecologically healthy for future generations.

All seven irrigation districts in Central Oregon are working with the Deschutes SWCD, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Deschutes Basin Board of Control, Farmers Conservation Alliance (FCA), Deschutes River Conservancy, and other stakeholders to develop Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessments and implementation strategies that will improve the irrigation districts water conveyance systems, on-farm delivery and management, and improve flows in the Deschutes and Crooked River.

Tools & Partner Resources

AgriMet

Agrimet is a weather monitoring network providing real-time meteorological data such as temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. It supports efficient water management and conservation efforts, helping farmers and land managers optimize irrigation and make sustainable decisions for agriculture and natural resource conservation.

Irrigation Scheduler Mobile App

Smart water management begins with two questions, when do I turn the water on and for how long? The answer lies with the Irrigation Scheduler Mobile App. This mobile app can help irrigators manage irrigation water which in turn improve yields.

Web Soil Survey

The Web Soil Survey, developed by the USDA NRCS, provides detailed soil information for any U.S. location. Users can access maps, reports, and soil properties to make informed decisions on land management, agriculture, construction, and environmental stewardship. It’s a free, easy-to-use resource for landowners.

Read Our Blog

  • Riparian Restoration Progress Across Our Watersheds

    Published On: April 18th, 2025

    Riparian Restoration Progress Across Our Watersheds

  • Pasture

    Irrigation Water Technology & Management: Online Curriculum and Field Training Registration

    Published On: January 15th, 2025

    Integrated Water Management Course – Spring 2026 Water

  • Restoring Balance: Juniper Removal Project at Rimrock Ranch

    Published On: August 30th, 2024

    The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) has

  • Water in river

    Water is Everything

    Published On: July 18th, 2024

    "Our Deschutes Basin aquifer is a large bowl,